Dianne McDonald: Many people, giving a little, can make a big difference

Monday

Nov 30, 2009 at 12:01 AMNov 30, 2009 at 7:36 AM

Spending time with your neighbors, friends and family is truly a gift. Therein lie the fond memories you’ll make for the future. Spend time baking something special, or making a sentimental homemade card or gift. Don’t try to spend all your money to show you care, try to spend your time with those for whom you care.

Dianne McDonald

Just like that, Thanksgiving has passed and “the most wonderful time of the year” is upon us. Black Friday has pried open our economy-cautious purses and wallets, and suddenly every local merchant wants a piece of us, filling our mailboxes with fliers and circulars.

It’s nice to be wanted, if only for our dollars and debt. Everyone sure seems rich this time of year with their shopping bags and fancy parties. It is a season of decadence. More food, more stuff, more feeding into commercialism.

I, too, enjoy immersing myself in the mysticism of the holidays, but this year, I wanted to keep it a little more real. I wanted to enjoy the festivities and somehow be charitable at the same time.

I’ve decided to host a little Christmas party for my female friends. No hubbies, no kids.

I have asked my guests to donate a bag of food to a local food pantry and some items from a “wish list” of a local transitional facility for displaced families with children.

Believe me, none of us women are rich or famous philanthropists, but we are definitely all grateful for the roofs over our heads and the food on our tables. It will be an opportunity to give back to our community.

A lot of people giving just a little can make a big difference.

Spending time with your neighbors, friends and family is truly a gift. Therein lie the fond memories you’ll make for the future. Spend time baking something special, or making a sentimental homemade card or gift. Don’t try to spend all your money to show you care, try to spend your time with those for whom you care.

Get your BFFs together and have a Broad Squad Christmas Party of your own. You will have a great time with your friends and do some charitable giving at the same time. It’s win-win.

Patriot Ledger contributor Dianne McDonald is a working mother who lives in Marshfield, Mass., with her husband and five kids.

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